Austin Music Venues: Where to Find the Best Live Music in Austin, Texas
In a city known as the Live Music Capital of the World, you’ll find Austin music venues on almost every corner. From blues and country to rock and jazz, Austin offers unparalleled live music experiences. Here’s our list of some of the best music venues in Austin, TX.
Summary:
-
Top Austin, TX, Music Venues Overall
-
Jazz Clubs Austin, Texas
-
Austin Country Music Bars
-
Dive Bars With Live Music Austin, TX
-
Austin Blues Clubs
-
Austin Outdoor Concert Venues
-
Austin Music Venues Conclusion
Top Austin, TX, Music Venues Overall
Let’s explore some of the best live music venues Austin offers, ideal for anyone from the casual listener to the avid music aficionado. Here, we spotlight venues celebrated for their unique atmospheres, historical significance, and consistently stellar lineups:
-
The Continental Club: A true icon of the Austin music scene on South Congress, The Continental Club has been a pivotal part of Austin's music scene since 1957. Known for its vintage charm and stellar lineup of rockabilly, blues, and country artists, this venue is a must-visit in Austin for music lovers. With a high rating of 4.7 on Google, visitors consistently praise its intimate atmosphere and quality shows.
-
Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater: Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater (aka Stubb’s Bar-B-Q) is famous for merging great barbecue with great tunes, hosting both major acts and local talents. This outdoor venue offers a spacious yet intimate setting where every concert feels special. Stubb's is an ideal spot for a night of music under the stars and is only about 16 miles from the Pulte® new home community, Sunfield.
-
Antone’s Nightclub: Established in 1975, Antone’s Nightclub has a storied history of hosting blues legends like B.B. King alongside a wide variety of music genres, drawing crowds with its high-quality acoustics and cozy vibe. With a Google rating of 4.5, it’s celebrated for its excellent lineup and great atmosphere.
-
ACL Live at the Moody Theater: ACL Live at the Moody Theater Austin, TX, is renowned as the "Austin City Limits" venue for recording the popular television concert series and offers a state-of-the-art experience with a diverse range of performers. With its two stages, music fans flock to this Austin concert venue for its world-class listening environment and history-making performances, which is why it’s earned a highly rated 4.7 on Google.
-
Mohawk: Located on Red River Street, the Mohawk is celebrated for its eclectic mix of music and multi-level outdoor setup, catering to indie music fans. Known for live performances and a welcoming vibe, the Mohawk in Austin, TX, scores a 4.6 on Google for its trendy atmosphere and fantastic rooftop view.
Jazz Clubs Austin, Texas
Austin is renowned for its eclectic music scene and is home to a thriving jazz culture that can be experienced in several intimate venues throughout the city. These Austin, Texas, live music venues offer some of the best jazz performances you can find:
-
Elephant Room: A basement bar in downtown Austin, the Elephant Room offers an intimate jazz experience with live shows every night. With its cozy setting and top-notch acoustics, it's a favorite among locals and visitors. Reviewers give it a 4.6 rating on Google, noting its authentic jazz atmosphere and extensive beer selection.
-
Parker Jazz Club: In the heart of Austin’s Warehouse District is Parker Jazz Club. Here, you get a polished atmosphere with live jazz music from local and national artists. With a focus on delivering a classic jazz club experience, Parker Jazz Club receives rave reviews on Google for its elegant interior and stellar performances.
-
Monks Jazz Club: Originally a pop-up venue, Monks Jazz Club brings a unique twist to the jazz scene by hosting concerts in unconventional spaces. This approach creates a special listening experience and keeps the scene fresh and exciting. Highly rated at 4.9 stars on Google for its innovative concept and the quality of its performances, this Austin music venue is a must-visit for those looking to explore the depth of the city’s jazz culture.
Austin Country Music Bars
Austin’s musical heritage is deeply rooted in country music, and the city has numerous bars keeping the Texas country spirit going. These Austin, Texas, country music bars offer a mix of honky-tonk, traditional country, and Americana performances, all set in unique and historically significant locations:
-
Broken Spoke: A legendary western dance hall, the Broken Spoke is celebrated for its traditional country music and dancing. Known as a "true Texas dance hall," it offers a genuine feel of the country scene and has been a staple in Austin for decades. This venue is a must-visit for locals looking for an authentic honky-tonk experience, and it’s only 16 miles from our Sunfield community.
-
The White Horse: This venue combines honky-tonk, country, and Americana performances to create an atmosphere that's both welcoming and distinctly Austin. With live music every night and a dance floor that's always full, The White Horse is a local favorite for those looking to kick back and enjoy some quality country music. Dancing at The White Horse is a fun night out, and it’s located just 15 miles from our new home community, Lagos.
-
Donn’s Depot: Set in a converted old train depot, Donn’s offers a unique spot for live country music performances. This venue exudes a cozy, nostalgic vibe, making it a great attraction for those who appreciate country music in a more intimate setting. Donn’s is rated 4.7 stars on Google and is known for its friendly crowd and charming wooden interiors, which add to the overall experience.
-
The Little Longhorn Saloon: Famous for its country music scene and unique weekly bingo event, The Little Longhorn Saloon offers a quirky yet quintessential Austin experience. Earning over 4.7 stars on Google and roughly 17 miles from our Kuempel Estates new home community, Little Longhorn is a great spot for a fun night or day out in Austin.
-
Historic Scoot Inn: While it features a variety of musical genres, the Historic Scoot Inn is known for hosting standout country music events. One of Austin’s oldest bars, it offers that nostalgic country music experience.
Dive Bars With Live Music Austin, TX
When talking about the Austin music scene, you can’t forget about its dive bars. These establishments are beloved for their laid-back feel, eclectic music lineups, and the genuine Austin vibe they exude:
-
Hole in the Wall: Located near the University of Texas campus, Hole in the Wall is one of the Austin music bars that’s been a favorite among students and locals for decades. Known for its unpretentious vibe and steady lineup of live music, this 4.5-star bar is a prime spot for catching emerging bands and seasoned artists.
-
Mean Eyed Cat: With its name based on a Johnny Cash song, the Mean Eyed Cat is a bar that celebrates the legacy of the Man in Black with decor dedicated to his life and music. It offers a unique twist on the typical dive bar experience, with a playlist that complements its theme and live performances that are always engaging.
-
Hotel Vegas: Located in the vibrant East Austin district, Hotel Vegas is known for its gritty charm and impressive lineup of live music, featuring everything from local indie bands to nationally touring acts. This venue is perfect for those who enjoy a gritty, energetic atmosphere and a night filled with great performances.
Austin Blues Clubs
Austin's blues scene is as soulful as the genre itself, with clubs that have hosted some of the biggest legends in blues history. These venues are sanctuaries for blues enthusiasts, with live performances that range from traditional blues to blends with rock and soul:
-
Antone’s Nightclub: As one of Austin’s most iconic blues venues, Antone’s has a storied history of hosting blues giants like B.B. King and Muddy Waters. Known for its commitment to preserving and celebrating the blues, this 4.5-star Google-rated venue continues to be a pivotal spot for both seasoned artists and emerging talents in the blues scene.
-
The Continental Club: Though it offers a diverse array of musical genres, The Continental Club has a blues component that contributes to its reputation as one of Austin's most legendary music venues.
- C-Boy’s Heart & Soul: Located on South Congress Avenue, C-Boy’s is renowned for its soulful vibe and live blues music. This Austin blues bar channels the classic spirit of blues lounges of the past and has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google.
Austin Outdoor Concert Venues
Outdoor concert venues in Austin, Texas, are an essential part of the city's live music scene, offering fans a chance to enjoy performances in the fresh air under the big Texan sky. These Austin concert venues range from intimate stages in unpretentious settings to expansive amphitheaters hosting large-scale concerts:
-
Empire Control Room: This venue has both indoor and outdoor stages and is praised for its eclectic music selection and the unique vibe of its outdoor stage area. It's a versatile spot that hosts a wide range of artists and bands.
-
The Far Out Lounge & Stage: With its spacious outdoor stage and mixed music lineup, The Far Out Lounge is an Austin outdoor music venue with a strong reputation for its welcoming vibe and quality performances that cater to all music tastes, rating 4.6 stars on Google. This local favorite makes for a convenient outing for some easy listening, and it’s only about 10 miles from our Sunfield new home community.
-
Armadillo Den: Set in a more natural, rustic environment, Armadillo Den features outdoor stages that complement its laid-back, Texas-style atmosphere. It’s known for its friendly staff and engaging live music, receiving a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google. Just 13 miles from our Crosswinds community, this venue is ideal for those seeking a casual night out in a uniquely Texan setting.
-
Rustic Tap: Celebrated for its outdoor beer garden vibe, Rustic Tap combines live music performances with a social drinking experience. It’s a popular choice for locals and tourists, noted for its welcoming atmosphere and a good selection of local brews, earning it 4.5 stars on Google.
Austin Music Venues Conclusion
There you have it—some of the coolest spots for live music in Austin, whether you're out for a fun night of live tunes or you're a full-on music junkie. These great Austin music venues stand out for their unique personalities, rich history, and killer lineups, so no matter what kind of tunes you're into, you'll find a spot that hits all the right notes.
Explore new construction homes in Austin, TX, today, or browse more Pulte blogs.
Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer
Last Updated: 3/12/25